22.3.16

A handful of brands are sure to cause downright hysteria amongst the beauty world, and NARS is definitely one of them - if not the most hysteria inducing of them all. There's something about the sleek, simple and addictively soft black packs that just has women going a little bit weak at the knees, almost regardless of what's actually inside. Although I always aim to look at things objectively and test them as thoroughly as I'm able, the majority of the time I come to the same conclusion a month later as I had upon the very first use; with the launch of the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint however, the story was very different. Having loved the All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation they launched this time last year, I had high hopes for this lighter and brighter alternative. Not only is it oil-free, helps to blur imperfections and smooth the appearance of pores and fine lines, but it contains SPF30 to look after our skin simultaneously. (You know how much I'm an ambassador for daily SPF!) It seemed like the only product I was going to need to see me through the spring months, but the first few times I used it I was incredibly disappointed.

Although it initially applied like a dream, within a few hours my base had become patchy and in some areas (namely around my chin) it had worn away completely. I don't have particularly oily or greasy skin, nor do I normally have a problem with the longevity of base products, but I was actually getting negative comments from friends who were usually so complementary about my complexion! I was almost ready to throw in the towel and pass it off as another disappointing addition, until I decided to give it one last chance - without a moisturizer or primer. Oh my word, it was like a different product. Suddenly it transformed from being a slightly watery and temperamental base, into a perfecting treatment that really helped me to look fresh without overdoing the layers. From thinking it was a complete waste of money, now I'm seeing the power it can offer those of us wanting a comfortable and long-wearing velvety-matte texture all year round. The key to this product? You don't need to layer up too much underneath - particularly as it helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, while working to control shine throughout the day.

Velvet Matte Skin Tint is infused with powerful optical effects designed to manipulate light, creating an immediate soft-focus effect that helps blur imperfections; it definitely helps to create an effortless glow without completely covering any kind of facial contour, leaving the wearer looking them still looking like them - just better. The addition of rose fruit extract helps to 'visibly tighten the appearance of pores' (although I can't really comment much on this as I'm lucky to have relatively small pores,) while vitamins C, E and broad spectrum SPF30 help provide antioxidant and environmental defense to keep our complexions looking fresher for longer. You need such a small amount to cover your entire face, using a buffing brush and a blender to ensure it's really worked into the surface of skin, before finishing with a very light dusting of powder to fix it in place. Although NARS base products can seem somewhat of a costly addition to any routine, what I do love is that the last for an absolute age as the pigments are so saturated - meaning you need half the amount compared to most other foundations. I love pretty much everything about this and have definitely been reaching for it more and more over the last couple of weeks, especially having decided it was the additional layers that were playing havoc with its performance. Moral or the story? Don't always settle for first impressions; change things up a bit, because you never know what may happen.

8 comments

I dont really wanna try this given I already have tons of foundations to get through first, but I will try wearing some of mine without primer, maybe they will work better :D Thanks for the tip!Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥

I have this and sometimes it looks great and sometimes it doesn't! I'll try wearing it without moisturiser or primer and see how I get on. One thing I do like about it is that I found a good match for my pale skin in the shade Terre Neuve, it is so difficult usually to do so.